Services & Programs

Library Cards

The Dixon Public Library is property-tax supported. Applicants must show proof of address and/or identity when applying for a library card. This document must include the correct name and current address. All individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian accompany them to get a library card. Cards are free for those residing within the Dixon city limits, and will be good for 3 years from the date of issuance. For those outside of the city limits, the rural fee of $80.00 for a library card that will be good for a one-year time span applies. This will allow all people within the household to get a card that lasts a year from the date of payment. There are a few other exceptions to the $80 fee, depending on income level, disabled veteran status, and property owned within the Dixon city limits.

Borrowing & Renewing

All items check out for 2 weeks. They can be renewed up to 2 times in person, over the phone, or through your online account, as long as no other patrons are waiting for the material. Library cards have a 20 item check out limit. The following items are limited to 4 each: DVDs, magazines, audiobooks, Library of Things, STEAM kits, and Busy Bags.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan allows us to share resources between other libraries in the state of Illinois. Please ask at the circulation desk for more information.

Computers & Wi-Fi

The computers can be used by anyone in the public, with or without a library card. Those wanting to use them can log in with their library card, or see the Circulation Desk staff for a guest pass. The computers in the adult department are for only those 14 and older to  use. The computers in the children’s department are for people age 14 and under. Those needing help are expected to get help from the adults who accompanied them to the library. All patron computers shut down automatically 15 minutes before the library closes. We offer free wi-fi by clicking on library access and accepting the terms of use.

Printing, Copying, Scanning and Fax Service

Printing charges are .20 cents for black and white copies and  .25 cents for colored copies . The charge is for each side of the paper printed on. There is a self-serve machine for making copies and printing from the computer. We offer Princh for printing from mobile devices. There is a 50 page a day limit per patron for printing. The library also offers a self-service Fax/Scan station. Charges are 1.00 per page for faxes not going to government agencies, and .20 cents per page for scanning to an email.

Adult Programs

At present, the Dixon Public Library offers three adult book groups: Monday Morning Mysteries, which meets the 4th Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m.

Literary Merits,(literary fiction and non-fiction) which meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. and the Orbital Book Group (Science Fiction and Fantasy) which also meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

All Adult book groups meet in the TAD room on the lower level of the library.

Outside book groups are welcome to use any of the public spaces of the library to hold meetings. The library will be happy to assist groups in obtaining book group selections, as staff time and resources permit. Contact shelly.franz@dixonpubliclibrary.org to set up your club.

Teen Programs

Teens from the ages of 14-18 can participate in a variety of programs at Dixon Public Library. Our YA programs offer an upbeat environment for teens to express themselves and socialize with peers in their age group. Pop culture is often a theme of YA programming, alongside an emphasis on hands-on activities (i.e. craft selections). Please contact Brianna Doyle at Dixon Public Library for any inquiries regarding YA Programming.

Catalog

Upcoming Programs

Children’s Programs

Dixon Public Library has a variety of program activities for youth in our community. Our “Tales for Tots” Baby/Toddler Storytimes are offered two times on Wednesday mornings at either 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. These programs are geared toward children 18 months through 3 years of age. We enjoy short stories, fingerplays, movement activities, and the always popular parachute time. Our “Raising Readers” Preschool Storytime is on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. During this program we include stories that are appropriate for children with a bit longer attention span. We also focus on early literacy skills to help children gain the experiences needed as they begin getting ready to learn to read.

During the school year, families can attend our once per month after school family events. These programs offer a wide variety of experiences that families can enjoy together as a group. Youth can also participate in one of our coding clubs to begin to understand basic computer coding skills in a fun way. These coding clubs are held every other week after school and once during the morning to better accommodate our homeschool families.

Our summer reading program offers activities for children of all ages through crafts, reading challenges, and other enrichment experiences. For more information on any of these activities, ask at the youth department circulation desk.